November 10, 2026 Like many of our readers, I’m anxiously anticipating the (hopefully positive) winds of change that blew in last week from several directions. Obviously, the U.S. mid-term elections brought a wave of change to many states, and at many levels from the Senate to a wide range of lower profile positions that more…
November 10, 2026 With more than 1,300 vessels on the water and strong sales across the docks, the world’s largest in-water boat show crowned its Best of Show winners and previewed RefitX, its new official refit event for 2027 The 67th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) wrapped five days across six show locations…
November 10, 2026 Saxdor Yachts, one of the fastest-growing boatbuilders in the industry, continues to strengthen its presence across North America and the Atlantic with the appointment of three new dealer partners, extending the brand’s reach into three new market areas. With production now underway in the United States, Saxdor is further reinforcing its commitment…
November 10, 2026 A new month. Same great location. The marine industry’s leading trade event moves from October to December. The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) has confirmed December 7-9, 2027, for its return to the Tampa Convention Center. Exhibitors and visitors are encouraged to save the dates as IBEX moves to a new…
November 10, 2026 NMMA Canada is accepting nominations for the 2027 NMMA Canada Hall of Fame, our highest honor celebrating individuals whose leadership, dedication and contributions have had a meaningful and lasting influence on Canada’s recreational boating industry. We invite members to help recognize a deserving industry leader by submitting a nomination for this prestigious…
November 3, 2026 Many of our boating industry customers are from the Baby Boom Generation and that’s defined as people born between 1946 and 1964. Doing the math for you, Baby Boomers are now between 62 and 80 years old. Smart and active, many may still water ski or board, swim, row, hike, fish and…
November 3, 2026 We learned through Boating Ontario that the Ontario government will be funding more than 980 additional seats at Georgian College to prepare students for in-demand careers. The Ontario government has announced $25 million in funding to create 987 additional student seats at Georgian College, supporting training for in-demand careers. As Boating Ontario…
November 3, 2026 On behalf of the Thomson Family, Julie and I would like to THANK YOU for an incredible fundraising year. On Friday, October 23rd, 2026, Brad Thomson, General Manager of MacDonald Turkey Point Marina presented a cheque for $24,350.00 to Jennifer Baxter of the London Children’s Health Foundation. Also, on hand for the…
November 3, 2026 ABYC Standards Week is where the marine industry sets the course for safety and innovation. Technical leaders and fellow industry peers will update standards headed for Supplement 67 (published July 2027), ensuring today’s decisions build tomorrow’s boats. Registration is open now, and this event is FREE to attend. All events will be…
November 3, 2026 A total of 153 products originating from 30 countries across the globe sets yet another new record for this globally recognized benchmark of marine equipment design quality. Winners will be announced during the Official Opening on the first day of the show, 17 November. The 2026 DAME Design Awards international jury comprises…
October 27, 2026 You never know what you’re going to get when you knock on the door and say trick-or-treat. As a child, I clearly remember hoping for a candy bar, but sometimes getting a bruised apple instead. When I was in high school, one of my pals had an older brother who was already…
October 27, 2026 Quebec dealer and founder Paul Larocque recognized for nearly 60 years of partnership Starcraft Marine has recognized R-100 Sport and its founder, Paul Larocque, with the Starcraft Marine Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring nearly six decades of partnership, service, and commitment to the boating industry. Larocque founded R-100 Sport in 1967 in Bois-des-Filion,…
October 27, 2026 If your business has students enrolled at Georgian College, don’t overlook the funding opportunities available through Boating Ontario’s MarineWorx Fund! From marine technician apprenticeships to industry certifications, sales training and marina management designations, the MarineWorx Fund helps Boating Ontario members invest in the skills and expertise that advance their careers. With funding…
October 27, 2026 AkzoNobel (AKZA; AKZOY) and Axalta Coating Systems (AXTA) have announced Axanzo as the name of the combined company following completion of their intended merger. The planned merger, announced in November 2025, will create a global coatings leader with the scale, strength and reach to accelerate sustainable growth and deliver breakthrough innovation. The…
October 20, 2026 After a recent trip to the International Boat Builders Exposition, IBEX, in Tampa, Florida, and I wanted to share a little business communications lesson that I learned. Actually, the lesson was delivered to me long, long ago by the owner and founder of the first advertising agency I ever worked for. He…
October 20, 2026 Brunswick’s Aine Denari elected chair as new Board leadership team begins two-year term NMMA announced its new Executive Committee for the 2027-2028 term, led by chair Aine Denari, incoming CEO of Brunswick Corporation and current president of Navico Group and Brunswick chief technology officer. Denari succeeds Ben Speciale, president of Yamaha U.S….
October 20, 2026 On October 6, 2026, Sail Canada announced that Ian Lunt from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, has been awarded Sail Canada’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award. The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes volunteers for their outstanding contributions to sailing activities at Sail Canada member clubs, sailing schools and regattas. Their contributions can…
October 20, 2026 This year’s theme, “Stronger Together – One Industry, One Course,” celebrates the strength of BC’s recreational boating industry and the importance of working together to navigate opportunities, challenges, and the future of boating in our province. Join marina operators, marine businesses, industry professionals, and boating advocates for two days of insightful presentations, industry perspectives, meaningful discussions,…
October 20, 2026 New leadership structure brings decisions closer to customers across North America, Europe, and Asia- PacificCMP Group is organizing its next phase of growth around one goal: making it easier for customers to do business with CMP. To lead that strategy, the company has appointed Michael Szwez as Chief Executive Officer and aligned its regional leadership to bring decision- making closer…
October 13, 2026 Of all the shows that I attend for business, my personal favourite is the IBEX Show because I get to see the latest and greatest new products, before they get built into the boats and long before they wind up for sale at retail. Although I’m a guy who’s an observer, not…